The Senate yesterday approved a transportation appropriations bill that would set tough entry standards for long-distance Mexican trucking companies.

The voice vote ended weeks of rancorous debate over safety standards for Mexican trucks, which are scheduled to be admitted to the interior of the U.S. next January.
Now the issue moves to House-Senate conference, where leaders from both chambers must reconcile differences between their bills.
On its face, the House bill is the tougher measure: It would keep the border closed by cutting off funds to the Department of Transportation for processing applications from Mexican trucking companies. But that position reflects House procedure more than it represents the true sentiments of House members. Many members are concerned about the safety of Mexican trucks but still support the idea of cross-border trucking.
The Senate bill would give Mexican trucks access, but sets the safety bar high – higher than it is set for new entrants in the U.S.
President Bush has threatened to veto both versions. Negotiations will continue through the August recess, which starts this weekend.